KR102066445B1 - Optical connector - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical connector is provided for connecting sets of optical waveguides 104, such as fiber optic ribbons, to each other, to a printed circuit board, or to a backplane. The connector 100 of the present invention includes a housing 110 having an attachment area 102 for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides. Additionally, the connector of the present invention includes a light coupling unit 120 disposed within the housing and configured to move within the housing. The connector of the present invention also includes a second attachment region 108 for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides, which causes each of the optical waveguides to bend between two attachment regions. The connector of the present invention utilizes an extended beam optics device with non-contact optical matching, thereby mitigating mechanical precision requirements. The connector of the present invention can have low light loss, is easily scalable for high channel count (fibers per connector), and can be compatible with low insertion blind matching.

Description

Optical connector {OPTICAL CONNECTOR}

Related Applications

This application discloses a co-owned patent of Agent Code No. 70227US002, entitled "Optical Connector," and Agent Code No. 70121US002, titled "Unitary Optical Ferrule." Related to the applications, which are filed on the same day as this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to an optical connector for connecting sets of optical waveguides, such as optical fiber ribbons.

Fiber optic connectors can be used to connect optical fibers in a variety of applications, including communication networks, local area networks, data center links, and internal links within high performance computers. Such connectors may be grouped into single fiber and multiple fiber designs, and may also be grouped by type of contact. Typical contact methods include: physical contact in which mating optical fiber tips are polished to a flat end and pressed together; Index matched to fill a small gap between the tips of the matched optical fiber with a flexible material having a refractive index matched to the core of the optical fiber; And an air gap connector through which light passes through a small air gap between two optical fiber tips. In each of these contact methods, a small amount of dust on the tips of the matched optical fiber can greatly increase the light loss.

Another type of optical connector is referred to as an expanded beam connector. This type of connector allows the light beam at the source connector to exit the fiber core and within the connector for a short distance before light collimates to form a beam having a diameter substantially larger than the fiber core. To diverge from Next, at the receiving connector, the beam is focused back to its original diameter on the tip of the receiving optical fiber. This type of connector is less sensitive to dust and other forms of contaminants that may be present in areas where the beam extends to larger diameters.

As line rates for data transmission move from the current 10 Gb / s / line to 25 Gb / s / line in the next few years, backplane optical connectors are an essential component of high performance computers, data centers, and communications switching systems in the near future. Will be. It would be advantageous to provide extended beam connectors that are a lower cost and higher performance alternative to existing optical and copper connections currently in use at 10 Gb / sec interconnects.

The present invention relates to an optical connector for connecting sets of optical waveguides, such as optical fiber ribbons, to waveguides disposed on a printed circuit board or backplane. In particular, the connectors of the present invention utilize extended beam optics with non-contact optical matching that mitigates mechanical precision requirements, thereby enabling low cost injection molding and improved dust and damage resistance. The connectors of the present invention can have low light loss, are easily scalable for high channel count (fibers per connector), can provide safety for the user, and low insertion force blind mating). The connectors of the present invention are suitable for use in backplane, front-plane, or mid-span connections.

In one aspect, a housing comprising a first attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides, and

A connector is provided that includes a light coupling unit disposed within the housing and configured to move within the housing. The light coupling unit includes a second attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first attachment region. The light coupling unit also includes a plurality of curved surfaces, each curved surface corresponding to a different optical waveguide among the plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions, the optical waveguide being the first Having a core diameter, the curved surface is configured to alter the divergence of light from the optical waveguide such that light from the optical waveguide exits the connector having a second diameter that is greater than the first core diameter, and the connector And when mating in the first matching direction, the connector is configured such that the light coupling unit rotates in a different second direction to bend the optical waveguide.

In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may further include a light redirecting member comprising an input surface for receiving input light from the optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions. . Additionally, the light turning member includes a light turning surface for receiving light from the input surface along the first direction and redirecting the received light along a second, different direction. Finally, the light turning member includes an output face for receiving light from the light turning face and transmitting the received light as output light along the exit direction.

In another embodiment, a housing includes a first attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides, and disposed within the housing and configured to move within the housing, the first attachment region being received and permanently attached to the first attachment region. A connector is provided that includes a light coupling unit that includes a second attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides. The connector of the invention also includes a first waveguide alignment member for receiving and aligning at least one first optical waveguide, and a first light redirecting member, the first light redirecting member being coupled to the first waveguide alignment member. An input surface of the first light turning member for receiving input light along an input direction of the first light turning member from the first optical waveguide disposed and aligned, and an input surface of the first light turning member along the input direction A light redirecting surface of the first light redirecting member for receiving light from the light and for redirecting the light along a different redirected direction of the first light redirecting member, and a light redirecting surface of the first light redirecting member Receives light from the surface and exits the first light redirecting member along the output direction of the first light redirecting member toward the input surface of the first light redirecting member of the mating connector; Including a first output surface of the light direction conversion member for transmitting an output light, the first light direction conversion member has a refractive index of greater than 1 between an input face and the output face. The optical coupling unit is configured to change the direction of light from at least one of the plurality of optical waveguides so that light from the optical waveguide exits the connector along an output direction different from the mating direction of the connector, wherein the connector mates with the mating connector. When mating in the direction, the connector is configured such that the light coupling unit rotates in the mating direction to bend the optical waveguide.

The connector of the present invention also includes a second waveguide alignment member vertically offset from the first waveguide alignment member and a second light vertically offset from the first light redirecting member to receive and align the at least one second optical waveguide. A redirecting member, wherein the second light redirecting member is an input surface of the second light redirecting member for receiving a second input light from the second optical waveguide disposed and aligned to the second waveguide alignment member; A second light turning direction for receiving light from an input surface of the light turning member along the input direction of the second light turning member and redirecting the received light along the redirected direction of the second light turning member; Receiving light from the light turning surface of the member and the light turning surface of the second light turning member and directing the received light toward the input surface of the light turning member of the mating connector; And a second output of the light direction conversion member as an output surface for transmitting the light of the direction shifting element. Finally, the connector of the present invention includes first and second mating features for mating with mating features of the mating connector along a connector mating direction different from the output direction. The connector is configured such that when the connector mates with the mating connector, the output surface of the second light turning member faces the input face of the second light turning member of the mating connector.

The optical connector of the present invention uses extended beam optics with non-contact matching that can mitigate mechanical fabrication requirements. This may then enable the use of processes such as low cost injection molding, and may allow the connector to have improved dust and contaminant resistance. The connector of the present invention may have low light loss, typically less than 1.0 dB light loss per matched connector pair. In addition, the connector of the present invention can be easily and economically extended to have more than 256 connected optical waveguides. The connector of the present invention has a low insertion input blind match and is suitable for high speed backplane, front-plane, or mid-span connections.

The above is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The following drawings and detailed description to more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

Throughout this specification, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where like reference numerals indicate like elements.
1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector of the present invention.
FIG. 1B is the same perspective view as in FIG. 1B with the housing removed; FIG.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the optical waveguide alignment member and the light turning member, and FIG. 2B is a portion of that shown in FIG. 2A.
3A and 3B are perspective views of two inventive connectors mated together.
4A and 4B are cutaway side views of the connector shown in FIG. 1B.
5A is a side view of one embodiment of two identical mated right angle connectors with the housing removed.
5B is a perspective view of FIG. 5A.
5C is a side view of FIGS. 5A and 5B showing the spatial relationship of two matched optical fibers.
6 is a diagram of one embodiment of a straight-through connector.
7 is a diagram of one embodiment of an array of connectors.
8 is an exemplary view of an exemplary light turning member of the connector of the present invention.
9 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a vertically staggered optical waveguide at the input face of the light turning member.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Like reference numerals used in the drawings refer to like elements. However, it will be understood that the use of a reference numeral to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit that component indicated by the same reference numeral in another figure.

Optical cables used in many applications use fiber optic ribbons. These ribbons consist of a series of coated optical fibers (typically four, eight or twelve optical fibers) coupled together in a row. Individual glass optical fibers with their protective coating are typically 250 micrometers in diameter, and ribbons typically have a 250 micrometer pitch between fibers. This 250 micrometer spacing has also been used in optical transceivers in a variety of designs that space the active optical devices at the same 250 micrometer spacing.

Conventionally available extended beam multi-fiber connectors typically limit the beam diameter to 250 micrometers to match the ribbon pitch. In order to achieve a beam diameter larger than the optical fiber pitch, conventional connectors need to manually divide the optical fiber ribbon into a single optical fiber before mounting the optical fiber on the connector.

In general, single optical fiber optical connectors may include precision cylindrical ferrules for aligning and contacting optical fiber end faces with each other. The optical fiber may be secured to the central bore of the ferrule, such that the optical core of the optical fiber is centered on the ferrule axis. Next, the optical fiber tip can be polished to allow physical contact of the optical fiber core. Two such ferrules may then be aligned with each other using an alignment sleeve with polished fiber optic tips pressed against each other to achieve physical contact optical connection from one optical fiber to another. Physical contact optical connectors are widely used.

Multiple fiber connectors often use multiple fiber ferrules, such as MT ferrules, to provide optical coupling from the source fiber to the receiving fiber. The MT ferrule can guide the optical fiber in an array of shaped bores to which the optical fiber is typically bonded. Each ferrule may have two additional bores in which guide pins are positioned to align the ferrules with respect to each other and thus to align the matched optical fiber.

Various other methods have also been used to make fiber-to-fiber connections. V-groove alignment systems and bare fiber alignment within the array of precise bores are included. Some such splicing concepts use lenses and / or reflective surfaces in optical fiber splices. Each of these connection concepts describes a single purpose connection system, such as an in line connector or a right angle connector.

Fiber optic interconnects, such as multiple fiber optic connectors, are useful for connecting optical waveguides to waveguides disposed on printed circuit boards (PCBs) and in backplane optical interconnect products. Extension beam connectors have been disclosed that can terminate fiber ribbons without separating the individual fibers and also provide a beam with a diameter larger than the interfiber pitch. Such extended beam optical connectors have non-contact optical matching and may require less mechanical precision than conventional optical connectors.

New optical interconnect coupling structures (optical couplers or optical connectors) that can be used to connect one or more optical waveguides or a ribbon of optical waveguides to another set of optical waveguides, or one or more ribbons of optical waveguides. This is provided. In some embodiments, the waveguides may be optical fibers. The connectors of the present invention may also be used to connect one or more optical waveguides, or ribbons of optical waveguides, to a waveguide disposed on or in a printed circuit board or backplane. The connectors of the present invention include extended beam optics with non-contact optical matching to provide relaxed mechanical precision requirements for their structures, thereby enabling low cost injection molding and improved dust resistance. The connectors of the present invention can have low light loss, can easily be extended to high channel count (fibers per connector), can provide safety for the user, and can be compatible with low insertion blind matching. . The connectors of the present invention are suitable for use in backplane, front-plane, or mid-span connections.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and are shown by way of example. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and that they may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought by those skilled in the art using the teachings disclosed herein.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include embodiments having plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, spatially related terms including, but not limited to, "bottom", "top", "bottom", "bottom", "top", and "top" are used for convenience of description. It is used to describe the spatial relationship of element (s) to an element. These spatially related terms include the different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the specific orientations shown in the figures and described herein. For example, if the object shown in the figures is inverted or flipped over, the portion described above as below or below another element will be above these other elements.

As used herein, for example, an element, component, or layer forms a “matching interface” with, or “connects to,” “an interface” with another element, component, or layer, When described as “coupled to,” or “in contact with,” or “adjoining”, the element, component, or layer may be on or directly above another element, component, or layer. May be directly connected, directly coupled to or in direct contact with it, or an intervening element, component or layer may be on, for example, a particular element, component or layer Can be connected to, coupled to, or in contact with. For example, when an element, component, or layer is referred to as beginning to "directly on", directly connected to, "directly coupled to" or "directly contacting" another element, For example, there are no intervening elements, components or layers.

The connector of the present invention can be understood by the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, but is not limited thereto. 1A shows a connector 100 that is one embodiment of a parallel extended beam optical connector of the present invention. In FIG. 1A, the connector 100 includes a housing 110 having a first attachment area 102. The first attachment region 102 is such that one or more optical waveguides, such as the plurality of optical waveguides 104 (the ribbon of the optical waveguide 104) shown in FIG. 1A first contact the housing 110 and are shown in FIG. 1A. In one embodiment, it is the portion of housing 110 that will pass via hole 106 into housing 110. One or more optical waveguides 104 may be received and permanently attached to housing 110, where they contact housing 110 in via hole 106 and pass over first waveguide support 109. It is not permanently attached to it. The second attachment region 108 includes a plurality of waveguide alignment members 114. The waveguide alignment member 114 may be configured to receive different optical waveguides among the plurality of optical waveguides 104 received and permanently attached to the first attachment region 102. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide may be bonded to the first attachment region 102 in the via hole 106. The first attachment region may comprise a plurality of grooves (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, but shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B), each groove being a plurality of grooves received and permanently attached to the first attachment region. And configured to accommodate different optical waveguides among the waveguides of. Individual optical waveguides may be attached to the first attachment region in the corresponding via hole 106. The connector 100 of the present invention also includes a light coupling unit 120 that is part of the connector 100, which may be standing alone or may be positioned on a printed circuit board or backplane. It can mate with other connectors attached to other devices, such as connectors.

In some embodiments, the first attachment region 106 and the second attachment region () are for supporting an optical waveguide received in and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions, but not permanently attached thereto. 108 may include a first waveguide support 109 disposed between. The housing is also between the first waveguide support 109 and the first attachment region 102 for supporting but not permanently attached to the optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions. And a second waveguide support 117 disposed therein, the optical waveguide may be further bent to cause the optical waveguide to be separated from the second support when the connector is mated with the mating connector. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions has two attachment regions in the plane formed by the mating direction and the light exit direction (output direction) from the light coupling unit (first direction). And second attachment regions). In some embodiments, the optical waveguide permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions may be bent between two attachment regions in a plane perpendicular to the axis at which the light coupling unit rotates during registration. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions may be bent in a bending direction lying in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the rotation of the light coupling unit.

The light coupling unit 120 also includes a mechanical mating portion 116, an interlocking mechanism 118, and a second attachment region 108. The tongue 116 has a tapering width along at least a portion of the tongue's length and extends outwardly from the light coupling unit. When the connector 100 moves toward the mating connector 300 '(shown in FIG. 3A), the tongue is corresponding to that of the mating connector in such a way that misalignment between two connectors, eg, lateral misalignment, is corrected. Guided in the tongue recess 30. In some cases, when the connector moves toward the mating connector, the first contact between the connector and the mating connector is between the tongue of the connector and the tongue recess of the mating connector.

This feature is easier to see in FIG. 1B where the housing 110 has been removed for clearer viewing. The second attachment region 108 includes a plurality of V-grooves 114, each groove configured to receive a different optical waveguide among the plurality of optical waveguides that are received and permanently attached to the first attachment region, The optical waveguide is bonded to the second attachment region in the groove. In some embodiments, the second attachment region may be permanently attached to a plurality of optical waveguides that are received and permanently attached to the first attachment region. In some embodiments, the optical waveguides are attached to the first attachment region, the second attachment region, or both using an adhesive. In the case where the optical waveguides are optical fibers, the optical fiber attachment regions may consist of cylindrical holes to which the optical fibers are bonded. In addition, where the waveguides are optical fibers, a polymer buffer layer on the optical fiber may be bonded to the buffer attachment region 123 adjacent to the region 108 where the bare optical fibers are bonded, in order to improve the mechanical strength of the assembly. In such a case, the connector includes a first attachment region 106, a second attachment region 108, and a third attachment region 123.

In some embodiments, a connector is provided wherein the optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions can be bent between the two attachment regions, where the connector mates with the mating connector, The light coupling unit is rotated to cause the optical waveguide to bend further. In another embodiment, a connector is provided wherein the light coupling unit can rotate about an axis whose position changes as the light coupling unit rotates. In some embodiments, when the light coupling unit rotates, the light coupling unit can also move linearly. In some embodiments, when the connector mates with the mating connector, a connector is provided that is configured to be rotatable within the housing by bringing the light coupling unit into contact with the corresponding light coupling unit of the mating connector. In some embodiments in which the light coupling unit rotates, the corresponding light coupling unit of the mating connector may virtually not move. In another embodiment, the connector of the present invention is configured such that the light coupling unit in each connector can rotate when the connector mates with the mating connector. In some embodiments, when the connector of the present invention mates with the mating connector, the optical waveguides of the two connectors may lie in the same plane. In some embodiments, when the connector of the present invention with the first plurality of optical waveguides is mated with a mating connector with the second plurality of optical waveguides, the first and second plurality of optical waveguides may be coplanar. have. In some embodiments, when the connector of the present invention with a first plurality of optical waveguides is mated with a mating connector with a second plurality of optical waveguides, the first plurality of optical waveguides may lie in a first plane, The second plurality of optical waveguides may lie in a second plane parallel to and offset from the first plane.

In some embodiments, the second attachment region of the connector of the present invention may be disposed between the first attachment region and the plurality of curved surfaces. In some embodiments, the optical waveguide may be under a first bending force when the optical waveguide is received in and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions, and the optical waveguide is first bent when the connector mates with the mating connector. May be under a second bending force greater than the force. In some embodiments, the first bending force may be substantially zero.

In some embodiments, a connector is provided wherein light from the optical waveguide may exit the connector in an exit direction different from the mating direction. In some embodiments, a connector is provided that can have an optical waveguide permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions, where the optical waveguide has two attachment regions in the plane formed by mating and light exit directions. Can be bent in between. In some embodiments, a connector is provided that can be configured to receive a plurality of optical waveguides, each waveguide comprising an optical fiber. In some embodiments, the light coupling unit may be a unitary construction, meaning that the light coupling unit does not have any internal interfaces, joints, or seams. In some cases, a single structure or structure may be formed in a single forming step such as machining, casting or molding.

The light coupling unit 120 is configured to be movable within the housing 110. This allows for proper alignment of the light coupling unit 120 and the additional coupler (typically couplers having substantially the same features), as shown in the subsequent figures. In some cases, the plurality of optical waveguides 104 are curved between the first attachment region 102 and the second attachment region 108. In some embodiments, the optical waveguides are two attachment regions in a plane formed by the above-described matching direction and an exit direction defined as the direction of the optical waveguides when the optical waveguides are received and permanently attached to the second attachment region. Can be bent between them. During mating with the other mating connector, the second attachment area comprising the light coupling unit can move with the housing and cause the optical waveguide to be further bent, wherein a first additional bend is created to guide the optical waveguide from the second support. Isolate. As the two mating connectors are further engaged (eg, to cause mechanical interlocking), a second additional bend can be created that allows the optical waveguide to separate from the first support. Movement of the light coupling unit may cause the light coupling unit to contact the corresponding light coupling unit of the mating connector. This is further illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5. In some embodiments, as the connectors engage, the light coupling unit can move with the housing along at least two mutually orthogonal directions. In some embodiments, during mating of the two inventive connectors, the light coupling unit in each connector may move. In some embodiments, two optical connectors may lie in the same plane. In some embodiments, where the connectors have a plurality of optical waveguides, the first and second plurality of optical waveguides may lie in the same plane. In some embodiments, the first plurality of optical waveguides may lie in a first plane, and the second plurality of optical waveguides may lie in a second plane parallel to and offset from the first plane. In some embodiments, the second attachment region may be disposed between the first attachment region and the plurality of curved surfaces. In some embodiments, each optical waveguide of the connector may be under a first compression force, and when the connector mates, the optical waveguide may be under a second compression force that is greater than the first compression force. In some embodiments, the first compressive force on the first optical waveguide may be substantially zero.

In some embodiments, a connector is provided in which the light coupling unit may include a light turning member. The light redirecting member may have an input surface for receiving input light from an optical waveguide that is received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions. The light turning member may also have a light turning surface for receiving light from the input surface in a second direction and for redirecting the received light in a different third direction. The light turning member may also have an output surface for receiving light from the light turning surface and transmitting the received light as output light. In some embodiments, the light turning member may have a same greater than one index of refraction between the input face and the output face. In some embodiments, each curved surface of the plurality of curved surfaces may be disposed on an input surface, a light turning surface, or an output surface of the light turning member. In some embodiments, the light turning member and the plurality of curved surfaces may form a single structure. In some embodiments, the second direction may be different from the mating direction. In some embodiments, the third direction may be different from the mating direction.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings of the present invention, the plurality of light turning members may be more complicated, for example V-grooves for receiving an input surface and light from the input surface for receiving input light from the optical waveguide. And an optical element having a light turning surface for receiving along a first direction defined by an optical waveguide therein. The light turning members can redirect the received input light along a different second direction. The light turning member may also include an output face for receiving light from the light turning face and transmitting the received light as output light along the exit direction.

2A and 2B are cutaway views of a portion of the connector assembly of the present invention focused on the first waveguide alignment member and the light turning member. 2A is a cutaway perspective view of the light coupling unit 220 and the light turning member 212 of the connector of the present invention showing a state in which several optical fibers 204 are attached to the light coupling unit 220. The optical fiber 204 is aligned in the groove 214, typically in the V-groove, to which the optical fiber is permanently attached. The exit end of the optical fiber 204 is positioned to direct light emitted from the optical fiber to the input surface 222 or the surface of the light turning member 212. Light redirecting member 212 includes an array of light redirecting elements 213, at least one of which is attached to light coupling unit 220 for each optical fiber. Typically, the light turning element 213 comprises a prism. The light redirecting member 212 includes an array of light redirecting elements 213, allowing one to be coupled with the connector of the present invention for each optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides (optical fibers) 204.

2B is a cutaway view of a portion of a connector of the present invention that includes only one light redirecting element 213, one first waveguide alignment member, such as a V-groove 214, and one optical fiber 204. . In this illustration, the optical fiber 204 can be aligned in the V-groove 214 and permanently attached thereto. At the point of attachment, the optical fiber buffer and protective coating (if any) was peeled off so that only bare fiber could be left aligned and permanently attached to the V-groove 214. The light redirecting element 213 includes a light input surface 222 for receiving input light from the first optical waveguide (optical fiber) 204 disposed and aligned to the first waveguide alignment member 214. Light redirecting element 213 also includes a light redirecting surface 224 for receiving light from the input surface along the input direction and redirecting the received light along a different redirected direction. The light redirecting element also receives light from the light turning surface 224 of the light turning element 213 and receives the received light along the output direction of the input surface of the first light redirecting member of the mating connector (FIG. And an output surface 226 that transmits as output light towards (not shown in FIG. 2B but shown in FIG. 3). In some cases, at least one of the input surface, the light turning surface, and the output surface includes one or more curved surfaces for altering the divergence of light exiting the optical waveguide 204. In some embodiments, for example, when the curved surface is part of the light turning surface 224, the curved surface may be part of a curved mirror or light reflecting lens. In some embodiments, for example, where the curved surface is part of the output surface 226, the curved surface may be a light transmitting lens. In some embodiments, each curved surface of the plurality of curved surfaces may be configured to collimate light from an optical waveguide corresponding to the curved surface. When the connector mates with the mating connector, the connector has an output surface of the first light redirecting member 226 facing the input surface of the first light redirecting member of the mating connector and the first and second mating features of the connector ( Not shown in FIG. 2B but shown in FIG. 1) is configured to mate with the mating features of the mating connector. In some embodiments, the first connector of the present invention may be configured to mate with the second connector of the present invention. When the first connector of the present invention is configured to mate with the second connector of the present invention, the first and second connectors are provided such that the first and second mating features of the first connector are respectively the second and first of the second connector. Orient with respect to each other to mate with matching features. In some embodiments, when a connector of the present invention mate with a mating connector, light from each of the first optical waveguides disposed and aligned at the connector may be coupled to a corresponding optical waveguide disposed and aligned at the mating connector. In some embodiments, when the connector of the present invention mates with the mating connector, the segments of the optical waveguide of the connector of the present invention and the mating connector attached to each second attachment region of each light coupling unit may lie in the same plane. have. In some embodiments, the connector may have a first plurality of optical waveguides attached to the first light coupling unit. When the connector mates with a mating connector having a second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the second optical coupling unit, the segments of the first and second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the coupling unit may lie in the same plane. In some embodiments, the connector having a first plurality of optical waveguides attached to the first light coupling unit may mate with a mating connector having a second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the second light coupling unit, the first optical The segments of the first plurality of optical waveguides attached to the coupling unit lie in a first plane, and the second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the second light coupling unit lie in a second plane parallel to and offset from the first plane. .

2A and 2B, each waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides 204 is received and permanently attached to an individual V-groove 214 in the second attachment region 208. In some embodiments, the light coupling unit can be a single structure. The light coupling unit 220 includes a plurality of light turning members 212.

The second attachment region 208 allows light emitted from each of the plurality of optical waveguides to impinge on the corresponding input surface of the plurality of light redirecting elements and then the corresponding light redirecting surface 224-light redirecting surface. Is arranged to impinge on-in some embodiments may comprise a curved surface. Each of the optical waveguides of the plurality of optical waveguides 204 has a first core diameter. The corresponding curved surface for each individual waveguide is configured to alter the divergence of light from the individual waveguides such that light emitted from the individual waveguide exits the connector and along an exit direction different from the mating direction of the connector. Let it spread. The emitted light has a second diameter that is larger than the first core diameter due to the interaction of the light with the curved surface. In some embodiments, the ratio of the second diameter to the first core diameter may be at least 2, at least 3.7, or even at least 5.

In some embodiments, a connector may be provided in which the first light turning member may have the same refractive index of greater than one between the input face and the output face.

3A and 3B are perspective views of the two connectors specified in FIGS. 1A and 1B mated together. In the illustrated embodiment, the two mated connectors include a first connector 300 (shown as located in FIG. 1A) and a first mating connector oriented upside down with the first connector 300 and inverted left and right ( 300 '). The two connectors are in a mated configuration. The first connector 300 and the first mating connector 300 ′ are mechanically interlocked with the mechanical coupling members (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B but shown in FIG. 1B). The mating direction for the first connector 300 is different from the mating direction of the first mating connector 300 ′. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle between the two mating directions is 180 degrees. This type of connector is known as a series-through connector. However, this is not a limitation for the couplers of the present invention and it is contemplated that the angle between the two mating directions can be any angle other than 0 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the two connectors may be 90 degrees, for example-a right angle coupler. In some cases, the two connectors may not be identical in shape to mate in a non-linear direction.

4A and 4B are cutaway side views of the connector shown in FIG. 1B (shown without housing), in which only one optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides is shown for illustrative purposes. The optical waveguide 404 is in the V-groove and is received and permanently attached to the second attachment region 408. Light emitted at the end of the optical waveguide 404 is coupled into the light redirecting element 413. Light redirecting element 413 includes a light redirecting surface 442, which in the illustrated embodiment is a curved light reflecting mirror or lens. The light beam from the optical waveguide 404 to the light redirecting element expands in diameter as it propagates until it is reflected by the surface 442. 4A shows that the optical waveguide is curved before entering the second attachment region 408. This has been discussed above. Mechanical coupling member 418 and mating tongue 420 are used to guide, link, and position the two mated couplers.

5A and 5B are views of two mating right angle connectors, such as those shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B with the housing removed for purposes of illustration. 5A is a side view of the mated connector, and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the mated connector. In the figure, the two connectors are mechanically coupled as shown. In some embodiments, when the connector mates with the mating connector, the light coupling unit may rotate at least 0.5 degrees. In another embodiment, when the connector is mated with the mating connector, the light coupling unit may rotate at least 2.0 degrees. In some embodiments, when the connector mate with the mating connector, the light coupling unit may rotate up to 90 degrees.

5C shows the spatial positioning of two respective light turning members in the mated position. Light redirecting element 513, in this embodiment, includes an input surface 530, a light redirecting surface 542 (including a curved surface), and an expanded surface for receiving light from optical waveguide 504. And an output surface 532 emanating from the light redirecting member at an average angle of about 90 degrees from the entry angle. However, because the beam can diverge or converge after being redirected from the light turning surface, the angle is only about 90 degrees on average when it exits the light turning member. In some embodiments, the light turning member has an index of refraction greater than one second between the input face and the output face. The light redirecting member from the second connector is located below the light redirecting member from the first connector in this figure to capture most of the light beam emitted from the first light redirecting member. Light emitted from the first light redirecting member may travel through the air before it is captured by the light redirecting member from the second connector. In some embodiments, each curved surface of the plurality of curved surfaces may be disposed on an input surface, a light turning surface, or an output surface of the light turning member. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the curved surface of the second connector can capture and focus the diverged and redirected light beam using the same principles just described previously and attached to the second connector. It can be redirected back into the optical waveguide.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the first through light coupling unit 620 of the present invention of the first connector 600 and the matched first light coupling unit 620 ′ of the first mating connector 600 ′, where the input The angle between the light beam direction and the output light beam direction is about 180 degrees. The first light coupling unit 620 has a first optical waveguide 604, which is received and permanently attached to the first light coupling unit 620 at the second attachment region 608 of the first optical waveguide 604. do. The first connector 600 and the first mating connector 600 'include a connector body, which includes a housing as described in the previous embodiment. This is not shown in FIG. 6 so that the position of the coupler during mating can be seen. Additionally, the first connector 600 and the first mating connector 600 'include stops 617 and 617' to prevent the light turning members from the connector and mating connector from colliding. Light is coupled from the first light coupling unit 620 into the first light redirecting member 614. The first light redirecting member 614 is typically a lens, which can be directed to diverge, focus, or collimate the light passing therethrough. The first attachment region for the first connector 600 is not shown, but is on the left side as shown in the figure prior to the bending of the first optical waveguide 604. Typically, the first attachment region may be a frame member of the housing with the first connector 600. Similarly, the first light coupling unit 620 'of the first matching connector 600' has a first optical waveguide 604 ', which is the second attachment region 608' of the first optical waveguide 604 '. ) Is received and permanently attached to the first light coupling unit 620 '.

In an embodiment of the serial through connector of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6, the first light coupling unit 620 of the first connector 600 and the matched first light coupling unit of the first matching connector 600 ′. 620 ′ may approach each other in a mating direction as shown in the figure. During the actual mating process, the connectors approach each other along the mating direction until the mating connector stops at the position shown by the dashed line, where there is contact between the two flats at the contact points 616 and 616 '. Subsequently, the first light coupling unit 620 of the first connector 600 and the light coupling unit of the first mating connector 600 ′ are connected to the first light turning member 614 and the matching light turning member 614 ′. The distance between can be slid so that it is in the optimal mating position for proper light coupling between the two connectors. In some cases, as in the example case shown in FIG. 6, when the connector 600 mates with the mating connector 600 ′, each of the second attachment regions 608, 608 ′ of the light coupling unit is fitted. The segments of the optical waveguide of the two connectors to be attached lie in the same plane. Similarly, a connector 600 having a first plurality of optical waveguides 604 attached to the light coupling unit 620 has a second plurality of optical waveguides 604 'attached to the light coupling unit 620'. When mating with the mating connector 600 ', the segments of the first and second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the first and second coupling units lie in the same plane.

Also provided is an array of connectors of the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, it is contemplated that a linear array of connectors can be created with a housing capable of mounting a plurality of connectors of the present invention. The first attachment area may be part of the housing itself. Figure 7 is a diagram of a 4 x 4 array of connectors of the present invention with 16 optical waveguides attached to each. Other arrays are within the scope of the present invention, for example,

Included is a 1 x 16 array of connectors of the invention with 16 optical waveguides attached to each.

In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may include a first waveguide alignment member for receiving and aligning at least one first optical waveguide, and a first light redirecting member, wherein the first light redirecting member may comprise a first light redirecting member. 1 an input surface for receiving input light from a first optical waveguide disposed and aligned in the waveguide alignment member, receiving light from the input surface along a first direction and redirecting the received light along a second, different direction And an output surface for receiving light from the light turning surface and transmitting the received light as output light toward an input surface of the first light turning member of the mating connector. The connector may be configured such that when the connector mates with the mating connector, the first and second mating features mate or engage with mating features of the mating connector such that the output surface of the first light redirecting member is aligned with the first light redirecting member of the mating connector. It may be configured to face the input surface of the.

In another embodiment, the connector of the present invention includes a second waveguide alignment member vertically offset from the first waveguide alignment member and a vertical offset from the first light redirecting member to receive and align the at least one second optical waveguide. It may further comprise a second light turning member. The second light redirecting member receives an input surface for receiving input light from the second optical waveguide disposed and aligned on the second waveguide alignment member, the light receiving input from the input surface along the first direction and canceling the received light. An optical turning surface for turning along two directions, and an output surface for receiving light from the optical turning surface and transmitting the received light as output light toward an input surface of the second optical turning member of the mating connector; And the connector is configured such that when the connector mates with the mating connector, the output surface of the second light redirecting member faces the input surface of the second light redirecting member of the mating connector. In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may be configured to receive at least one first optical waveguide and at least one second optical waveguide from the same optical cable. In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may be configured to receive at least one first optical waveguide from a first optical cable and at least one second optical waveguide from a different second optical cable. In some embodiments, a connector is provided in which the second waveguide alignment member and the second light redirecting member may be vertically offset in the same direction from the first waveguide alignment member and the first light redirecting member. In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may include an insulating housing, wherein the first and second waveguide alignment members, the first and second light turning members, and the insulating housing are a unitary structure. In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may comprise a first optical block that is vertically offset from the second optical block, such that when the connector does not mate with the mating connector, the connector outputs the output surface of the first light turning member. Light exiting may be blocked by the first light block and light exiting the output surface of the second light redirecting member may be blocked by the second light block. Further, the first waveguide alignment member includes a first plurality of waveguide alignment elements, the second waveguide alignment member includes a second plurality of waveguide alignment elements, and each of the waveguide alignment elements of the first plurality of waveguide alignment elements is Configured to receive and align different first optical waveguides, each of the waveguide alignment elements of the second plurality of waveguide alignment elements is configured to receive and align a different second optical waveguide, and the first plurality of waveguide alignment elements Each of the waveguide alignment elements is provided with a connector that is offset vertically and horizontally from each of the waveguide alignment elements of the second plurality of waveguide alignment elements. In some embodiments, the first light turning member may comprise a first plurality of light turning elements, and the second light turning member may comprise a second plurality of light turning elements, and the first plurality of light turning elements Each of the light redirecting elements of the light redirecting elements of the corresponding light redirecting element received and aligned with the first waveguide alignment member, wherein each of the light redirecting elements of the second plurality of light redirecting elements is second; Corresponding to different second optical waveguides received and aligned in the waveguide alignment member, each of the light turning elements of the first plurality of light turning elements is perpendicular from each of the light turning elements of the second plurality of light turning elements. A connector is provided, which is offset horizontally and horizontally.

In another embodiment, the connector of the present invention further includes a second waveguide alignment member vertically offset from the first waveguide alignment member to receive and align the at least one second optical waveguide. The input surface of the first light redirecting member is adapted to draw light from the first optical waveguide disposed and aligned at the first waveguide alignment member at a first position on the input surface and to the second waveguide alignment member at a second, different position on the input surface. The light from the second optical waveguide that is disposed and aligned can be input, the second position being vertically offset from the first position. The light redirecting face of the first light redirecting member is adapted to draw light from a first position on the input face at a first position on the light redirecting face and from a second position on the input face at a different second position on the light redirecting face. It can receive light. The output face of the first light turning member can receive light from the first position on the light turning face and transmit the received light as output light from the first position on the output face, and the light turning face The light from the second location on the image can be received and the received light can be transmitted as output light from a different second location on the output surface. In some embodiments of the connector of the present invention, the second position on the input face may be vertically offset from the first position on the input face. In some embodiments, the second position on the light turning surface may be offset vertically and horizontally from the first position on the light turning surface. In another embodiment, the second position on the output surface may be horizontally offset from the first position on the output surface. Further, the first and second positions on the light turning surface such that the output light from the first and second positions on the output surface can in fact be collimated, have the same divergence angle, or have the same convergence angle. A connector is provided having a light redirecting surface of a first light redirecting member comprising a feature in at least one of the following. The connector of the invention may be characterized by V-grooves.

In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may include a housing including a first attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides, and a light coupling unit disposed within the housing and configured to move within the housing. have. The light coupling unit includes a second attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides that are received and permanently attached to the first attachment region, and a first waveguide alignment for receiving and aligning at least one first optical waveguide. It may include a member. The connector of the present invention may also include a first light redirecting member, wherein the first light redirecting member directs the input direction of the first light redirecting member from the first optical waveguide disposed and aligned to the first waveguide alignment member. Along the input direction of the input surface of the first light redirecting member for receiving the input light, the light from the input surface of the first light redirecting member and receiving the light in different directions of the first light redirecting member The light turning surface of the first light turning member for turning along the direction, and the light from the light turning surface of the first light turning member, and the received light is output from the first light turning member. And a first light turning element for exiting the first light turning member toward the input surface of the second light turning member of the mating connector along the output direction of the first light turning member. And an output face of the ring member. The first light turning member may have a refractive index of greater than one between the input surface and the output surface. The light coupling unit may be configured to alter the divergence of light from at least one of the plurality of optical waveguides such that light from the optical waveguide exits the connector along an output direction different from the mating direction of the connector, the connector mating connector. When mating with the mating direction, the connector is configured such that the light coupling unit rotates in the mating direction to bend the optical waveguide. The connector of the present invention includes a second waveguide alignment member vertically offset from the first waveguide alignment member for receiving and aligning at least one second optical waveguide, and a second light direction vertically offset from the first light redirecting member. It may have a switching member. The second light redirecting member is an input surface of the second light redirecting member for receiving a second input light from the second optical waveguide disposed and aligned on the second waveguide alignment member, the input direction of the second light redirecting member A light turning surface of the second light turning member for receiving light from an input surface of the second light turning member and redirecting the received light along the redirected direction of the second light turning member along; And second light for receiving light from the light turning surface of the second light turning member and transmitting the received light as output light of the second light turning member toward the input surface of the light turning member of the mating connector. It may include an output surface of the turning member. The connector of the present invention may also have first and second mating features for mating with mating features of the mating connector along a connector mating direction different from the output direction of the first light redirecting element. The connector may be configured such that when the connector mates with the mating connector, the output face of the second light turning member faces the input face of the second light turning member of the mating connector.

In some embodiments, the second waveguide alignment member and the second light redirecting member may be vertically offset in the same direction from the first waveguide alignment member and the first light redirecting member. In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may include first and second waveguide alignment members, first and second light redirecting members, and mating features, which are a unitary structure. In some embodiments, the connector of the present invention may comprise a first optical block that is vertically offset from the second optical block, such that when the connector does not mate with the mating connector, the connector outputs the output surface of the first light turning member. Light exiting is blocked by the first light block and light exiting the output surface of the second light redirecting member is blocked by the second light block. In some embodiments, the first waveguide alignment member may comprise a first plurality of waveguide alignment elements, and the second waveguide alignment member may comprise a second plurality of waveguide alignment elements, and the first plurality of waveguide alignment elements Each of the waveguide alignment elements is configured to receive and align a different first optical waveguide, and each of the waveguide alignment elements of the second plurality of waveguide alignment elements is configured to receive and align a different second optical waveguide, and Each of the waveguide alignment elements of the first plurality of waveguide alignment elements is vertically and horizontally offset from each of the waveguide alignment elements of the second plurality of waveguide alignment elements. In some embodiments of the connector of the present invention, the first light turning member may comprise a first plurality of light turning elements, and the second light turning member may comprise a second plurality of light turning elements. And each of the light turning elements of the first plurality of light turning elements corresponds to a different first light waveguide received and aligned in the first waveguide alignment member, and the light turning elements of the second plurality of light turning elements. Each of the elements corresponds to a different second optical waveguide that is received and aligned in the second waveguide alignment member, wherein each of the light turning elements of the first plurality of light turning elements is a light direction of the second plurality of light turning elements. It is offset vertically and horizontally from each of the transition elements.

8 is a diagram of an embodiment of a single light redirecting member that can be used in a connector useful for a vertically staggered optical waveguide array. Light redirecting member 800 is disposed from and aligned with first waveguide alignment member 814 at first input position 824 and second at second input position 826. And an input surface for receiving light from the second optical waveguide 806 disposed and aligned on the waveguide alignment member 816. The second input position 826 is vertically offset from the first input position 824. Light from the first optical waveguide 804 and the second optical waveguide 806 is directed in the light direction until they reach the first turning positions 834, 836 on the light turning surface of the single light turning member, respectively. Follow the depicted path through the diverting member 800. The light is then winded up at the first output location 844 from the first light waveguide 804 and original light from the second light waveguide 806 at the second output location 846. B) to follow a different path to finish. The single light redirecting member 800 may comprise a first optical element having a first curved surface 854 and / or a second optical element having a second curved surface 856, each of which has a first output Coupled to light from position 844 and second output position 846. The first and second optical elements having a first curved surface 854 and a second curved surface 856 can focus, collimate, or diverge light coming from each output position.

9 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a vertically staggered optical waveguide that may utilize a single light turning member. In this figure, four staggered first optical waveguides 904a-904d are received, aligned, and permanently attached to the first waveguide alignment member 914. The first waveguide alignment member 914 as shown has four grooves 915a-915d for receiving, aligning, and permanently attaching the first optical waveguides 604a-604d, respectively. Each of the staggered first optical waveguides 904a to 904d has a core diameter. In the illustrated embodiment, the two staggered first optical waveguides 904a, 904b are arranged in different hexagonal closest packing arrangements based on the maximum beam width before overlapping. Vertically (and horizontally) Other geometric arrangements, including vertical stacking, are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a connector is provided that includes a second waveguide alignment member that can be vertically offset from the first waveguide alignment member to receive and align at least one second optical waveguide. In these embodiments, the input surface of the first light redirecting member draws input light from the first optical waveguide disposed and aligned at the first waveguide alignment member at a first position on the input surface and at a different second position on the input surface. The input light can be received from a second optical waveguide disposed and aligned in the second waveguide alignment member, the second position being vertically offset from the first position. The light redirecting face of the first light redirecting member is adapted to draw light from a first position on the input face at a first position on the light redirecting face and from a second position on the input face at a different second position on the light redirecting face. It can receive light. The output face of the first light turning member can receive light from the first position on the light turning face and transmit the received light as output light from the first position on the output face, and the light turning face The light from the second location on the image can be received and the received light can be transmitted as output light from a different second location on the output surface. In some embodiments, a connector is provided in which a second position on the input face can be vertically offset from the first position on the input face. In another embodiment, a connector is provided in which the second position on the light turning surface can be offset vertically and horizontally from the first position on the light turning surface. In some embodiments, a connector is provided in which a second position on the output face can be horizontally offset from the first position on the output face. In some embodiments, the light turning surface of the first light redirecting member is in the light direction such that output light from the first and second positions on the output surface is substantially collimated, has the same divergence angle, or has the same convergence angle. A connector is provided that can include a feature in at least one of the first and second positions on the transition surface. The feature can include a reflective lens. In some embodiments, the first and second waveguide alignment members, the first and second light redirecting members, and the first and second mating features can be a unitary structure.

In some embodiments, the first light block may be vertically offset from the second light block, so that if the connector does not mate with the mating connector, the light exiting the output surface of the first light redirecting member is first light. Light blocked by the block and exiting the output surface of the second light redirecting member may be blocked by the second light block.

In some embodiments, wherein the first waveguide alignment member comprises a first plurality of waveguide alignment elements and the second waveguide alignment member comprises a second plurality of waveguide alignment elements, each of the waveguide alignment elements of the first plurality of waveguide alignment elements. May be configured to receive and align different first optical waveguides, and each of the waveguide alignment elements of the second plurality of waveguide alignment elements may be configured to receive and align a different second optical waveguide. Each of the waveguide alignment elements of the first plurality of waveguide alignment elements may be offset vertically and horizontally from each of the waveguide alignment elements of the second plurality of waveguide alignment elements. In some embodiments, each of the light turning elements of the first plurality of light turning elements may correspond to a different first light waveguide received and aligned with the first waveguide alignment member, and the second plurality of light turning elements Each of the light redirecting elements in the plurality may correspond to a different second optical waveguide that is received and aligned in the second waveguide alignment member. Each of the light turning elements of the first plurality of light turning elements may be offset vertically and horizontally from each of the light turning elements of the second plurality of light turning elements.

In some embodiments, any connector disclosed herein is configured to mate with a similar connector. In some embodiments, any connector disclosed herein is hermaphroditic, meaning that any connector is configured to mate with itself.

The following are exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Item 1 is a connector

A housing including a first attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides; And

A light coupling unit disposed within the housing and configured to move within the housing, the light coupling unit comprising:

A second attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first attachment region; And

A plurality of curved surfaces, each curved surface corresponding to a different optical waveguide among the plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions, the optical waveguide having a first core diameter, The curved surface is configured to change the divergence of light from the optical waveguide such that light from the optical waveguide exits the connector along an exit direction different from the mating direction of the connector, and the exiting light is larger than the first core diameter. With a diameter, and when the connector mates with the mating connector in the mating direction, the connector is a connector configured to rotate the light coupling unit to bend the optical waveguide.

Item 2 relates to the optical waveguide being rotated to the optical waveguide when the optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions is bent between the two attachment regions, and the connector mates with the mating connector. The connector of item 1, which causes it to bend further.

Item 3 is the connector of item 1, wherein the light coupling unit rotates about an axis whose position changes as the light coupling unit rotates.

Item 4 is the connector of item 1, wherein when the light coupling unit rotates, the light coupling unit also moves linearly.

Item 5 is the connector of item 1, wherein the connector is configured to rotate about an axis that does not tilt during rotation when the connector mates with the mating connector.

Item 6 is the connector of item 1, wherein light from the optical waveguide exits the light coupling unit in an exit direction different from the connector mating direction.

Item 7 is characterized in that the first attachment region defines a plurality of through holes, each through hole configured to receive a different optical waveguide among the plurality of optical waveguides received in the first attachment region, wherein the optical waveguide is formed in the through hole. 1 The connector of item 1, attached to an attachment area.

Item 8 is configured such that the first attachment region comprises a plurality of grooves, each groove receiving a different optical waveguide among the plurality of optical waveguides received in the first attachment region, the optical waveguide being the first attachment region in the groove. The connector of item 1, attached to the.

Item 9 is the connector of item 1, wherein the first attachment region includes one or more alignment features for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides integrated on a common substrate.

Item 10 is the connector of item 1, wherein the first attachment region is permanently attached to the plurality of optical waveguides via an adhesive.

Item 11 is a second attachment region comprising a plurality of grooves, each groove configured to receive a different optical waveguide among the plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first attachment region, the optical waveguide in the groove The connector of item 1, attached to the second attachment region.

Item 12 is a second attachment region comprising a plurality of through holes, each through hole is configured to receive a different optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first attachment region, the optical waveguide is The connector of item 1, bonded to the second attachment region at the through hole.

Item 13 includes one or more alignment features for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides in which the second attachment region is received and permanently attached to the first attachment region, wherein the optical waveguides of the plurality of optical waveguides are common. The connector of item 1, which is integrated onto the substrate.

Item 14 is the connector of item 1, wherein the second attachment region permanently attaches to the plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first attachment region via an adhesive.

Item 15 is the device of item 1, wherein the optical waveguide permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions is curved between two attachment regions in a plane formed by the mating direction and the light exit direction from the light coupling unit. Connector.

Item 16 is the item 1, wherein the optical waveguide permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions is curved between two attachment regions in a plane perpendicular to the axis at which the light coupling unit rotates during registration. Connector.

Item 17 is the connector of item 1, configured to receive a plurality of optical waveguides, each optical waveguide comprising an optical fiber.

Item 18 is the connector of item 1, wherein the light coupling unit is a single structure.

Item 19 is the connector of item 1, wherein each curved surface of the plurality of curved surfaces comprises a curved mirror.

Item 20 is the connector of item 1, wherein each curved surface of the plurality of curved surfaces comprises a light reflecting lens.

Item 21 is the connector of item 1, wherein each curved surface of the plurality of curved surfaces comprises a light transmitting lens.

Item 22 is the connector of item 1, wherein each curved surface of the plurality of curved surfaces is configured to collimate light from an optical waveguide corresponding to the curved surface.

Item 23 is the connector of item 1, wherein the light coupling unit rotates at least 0.5 degrees when the connector mates with the mating connector.

Item 24 is the connector of item 1, wherein the light coupling unit rotates at least two degrees when the connector mates with the mating connector.

Item 25 is the connector of item 1, wherein the light coupling unit rotates up to 90 degrees when the connector mates with the mating connector.

Item 26 is the item 1, wherein the optical waveguide permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions is curved between two attachment regions in a plane perpendicular to the axis of movement at which the light coupling unit rotates during registration. Connector.

Item 27 is the connector of item 1, wherein the ratio of the second diameter to the first core diameter is at least two.

Item 28 is the connector of item 1, wherein the ratio of the second diameter to the first core diameter is at least 3.7.

Item 29 is the connector of item 1, wherein the ratio of the second diameter to the first core diameter is 6 or greater.

Item 30 is the connector of item 1, wherein when the connector mates with the mating connector, the light coupling unit is configured to rotate within the housing by contacting the corresponding light coupling unit of the mating connector.

Item 31 is the connector of item 30, wherein when the light coupling unit rotates, the corresponding light coupling unit of the mating connector does not move.

Item 32 is the connector of item 30, wherein when the light coupling unit rotates, the corresponding light coupling unit of the mating connector also rotates.

Item 33 is the connector of item 1, wherein when the connector mates with the mating connector, the segments of the optical waveguide of the two connectors attached to each second attachment region of the light coupling unit lie in the same plane.

Item 34 is the first and second when a connector having a first plurality of optical waveguides attached to the first light coupling unit is mated with a mating connector having a second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the second light coupling unit. The segments of the first and second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the coupling unit are the connectors of item 33, which lie in the same plane.

Item 35 is a first light coupling unit when the connector having a first plurality of optical waveguides attached to the first light coupling unit is matched with a mating connector having a second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the second light coupling unit. Segments of the first plurality of optical waveguides attached to the second plurality of optical waveguides are in a first plane, and segments of the second plurality of optical waveguides attached to the second light coupling unit are in a second plane parallel to and offset from the first plane. , Item 33 is the connector.

Item 36 is the connector of item 1, wherein the second attachment region is disposed between the first attachment region and the plurality of curved surfaces.

Item 37 states that the optical waveguide is under a first bending force when the optical waveguide is received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions, and the optical waveguide is more than the first bending force when the connector mates with the mating connector. The connector of item 1, which is under a large second bending force.

Item 38 is the connector of item 37, wherein the first bending force is substantially zero.

Item 39 is the connector of item 37, wherein the second bending force maintains the mating between the connector and the mating connector.

Item 40 is a light coupling unit further comprising a light turning member, wherein the light turning member is

An input surface for receiving input light from an optical waveguide that is received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions;

A light turning surface for receiving light from an input surface of the light turning member in an input direction and redirecting the received light in a different redirected direction; And

The connector of item 1, comprising an output surface for receiving light from the light turning surface and transmitting the received light as output light in the output direction.

Item 41 is the connector of item 40, wherein the light redirecting member has a refractive index of greater than one between the input face and the output face.

Item 42 is the connector of item 40, wherein each curved surface of the plurality of curved surfaces is disposed on an input face, a light redirecting face, or an output face of the light redirecting member.

Item 43 is the connector of item 40, wherein the light redirecting member and the plurality of curved surfaces form a single structure.

Item 44 is the connector of item 40, wherein the light coupling unit is a single structure.

Item 45 is the connector of item 40, wherein the input direction is different from the mating direction.

Item 46 is the connector of item 40, wherein the redirected direction is different from the mating direction.

Item 47 is the connector of item 40, wherein the output direction is different from the mating direction.

Item 48 relates to an input surface on an input surface that receives an input light from a first optical waveguide that is received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions at a first location on the input surface and that is permanently attached from the first location. To receive input light from a second optical waveguide that is received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions at a second location,

A second position on the light turning surface that receives the light from the first position on the input surface at a first position on the light turning surface and is offset vertically and horizontally from the first position on the light turning surface Receive light from the second location on the input surface at

The output surface receives light from the first position on the light turning surface and transmits the received light as output light from the first position on the output surface and receives the light from the second position on the light turning surface and receives the light Is a connector of item 40, configured to transmit as output light from a second position on the output surface that is horizontally offset from the first position on the output surface.

Item 49 is the connector of item 40, comprising an antireflective coating having an output surface disposed thereon.

Item 50 is the connector of item 40, wherein the light redirecting member redirects the light by total internal reflection.

Item 51 is a cable assembly,

The connector of item 40; And

And a plurality of optical waveguides received in and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions.

Item 52 is the cable assembly of item 51, wherein the index matching material optically couples at least one optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides to an input surface of the light redirecting member.

Item 53 has a housing,

And further comprising a first support for bending the optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions so that the optical waveguide is further bent to cause the optical waveguide to be deformed when the connector mates with the mating connector. 1 The connector of item 1, which is moved away from the support.

Item 54 is a second support disposed between the first attachment region and the first support for supporting an optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions but not permanently attached thereto. Further included is the connector of item 53.

Item 55 is an optical waveguide that first receives a first additional bend to separate the optical waveguide from the second support as the connector mates with the mating connector, and then receives the second additional bend to separate the optical waveguide from the first support. It is a connector of 53.

Item 56 further includes a tongue when the light coupling unit further comprises a tongue, the tongue having a tapering width along at least a portion of the length of the tongue and extending outward from the light coupling unit such that the connector moves toward the mating connector. Is the connector of item 1, which is guided in the corresponding tongue recess of the mating connector in such a way that the misalignment between the two connectors is corrected.

Item 57 is the connector of item 56, when the tongue moves toward the mating connector, the tongue is guided into the tongue recess of the mating connector in such a way that the lateral misalignment between the two connectors is corrected.

Item 58 is the connector of item 56, when the connector moves toward the mating connector, the first contact between the connector and the mating connector is between the tongue of the connector and the tongue recess of the mating connector.

Item 59 is the connector of item 1, configured to mate with the other connector of item 1.

Item 60 is the connector of item 1, which is a hermaphrodite chain.

Item 61 is a connector.

A housing including an input attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides;

Disposed within the housing and configured to move within the housing,

A lower attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the input attachment region; And

A lower light coupling unit comprising a plurality of lower curved surfaces each corresponding to different optical waveguides of the plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the lower attachment region; And

An upper light coupling unit disposed in the housing and vertically offset from the lower light coupling unit and configured to move within the housing, wherein the upper light coupling unit comprises:

An upper attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the input attachment region; And

A plurality of upper curved surfaces, each upper curved surface corresponding to a different optical waveguide of the plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the upper attachment area, each of the curved surfaces of the plurality of lower and upper curved surfaces Is configured to alter the divergence of light from the optical waveguide corresponding to the curved surface, the optical waveguide having a first core diameter such that light from the optical waveguide exits the connector along an exit direction different from the mating direction of the connector. The exiting light has a second diameter that is greater than the first core diameter, and when the connector mates with the mating connector in the mating direction, the connector rotates each of the lower and upper light coupling units such that the input attachment area and the lower or upper part are rotated. A connector configured to bend any optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the attachment region.

Item 62 has an input attachment area,

A bottom input attachment area corresponding to a bottom attachment area of the bottom light coupling unit, wherein the connector is also received in the bottom attachment area of the bottom light coupling unit if the optical waveguide is received and permanently attached to the bottom input attachment area. Configured to be permanently attached; And

An upper input attachment area corresponding to the upper attachment area of the upper light coupling unit, wherein the connector is also received in the upper attachment area of the upper light coupling unit if the optical waveguide is received and permanently attached to the upper input attachment area. The connector of item 61, wherein the connector is configured to be permanently attached.

Item 63 is a cable assembly,

The connector of item 62;

A plurality of lower optical waveguides received and attached to the lower input attachment region and the lower attachment region of the lower light coupling unit; And

And a plurality of upper optical waveguides received and attached to the upper input attachment region and the upper attachment region of the upper light coupling unit, wherein when the connector mates with the mating connector in a mating direction, the cable assembly is connected to each of the lower and upper light coupling units. And a cable assembly configured to rotate to bend each of the optical waveguides of the plurality of lower and upper optical waveguides.

Item 64 further includes an upper light redirecting member wherein the lower light coupling unit is vertically offset from the lower light redirecting member and the lower light redirecting member,

The lower light turning member

An input surface for receiving input light from an optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the input and lower attachment region;

A light turning surface for receiving light from an input surface of the light turning member in an input direction and redirecting the received light in a different redirected direction; And

An output surface for receiving light from the light turning surface and transmitting the received light as output light in the output direction,

The upper light turning member

An input surface for receiving input light from an optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the input and upper attachment region;

A light turning surface for receiving light from an input surface of the light turning member in an input direction and redirecting the received light in a different redirected direction; And

The connector of item 61, comprising an output surface for receiving light from the light turning surface and transmitting the received light as output light in the output direction.

Item 65 is the connector of item 61, wherein each of the lower and upper light coupling units is a single structure.

Item 66 is that the lower light coupling unit further comprises a lower light block and the upper light coupling unit further comprises an upper light block, so that if the connector does not mate with the mating connector, the lower light block is from the lower light coupling unit. The connector of item 61, which blocks light exiting the connector and blocks light exiting the connector from the upper light coupling unit.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, except where they may be directly contradictory to the present invention. While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various alternatives and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments described herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (10)

As a connector,
A housing including a first attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides; And
A light coupling unit disposed within the housing and configured to move within the housing, the light coupling unit comprising:
A second attachment region for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first attachment region; And
A plurality of curved surfaces, each curved surface corresponding to a different optical waveguide among the plurality of optical waveguides received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions, the optical waveguide having a first core diameter, The curved surface is configured to change the divergence of light from the optical waveguide such that light from the optical waveguide exits the connector along an exit direction different from the mating direction of the connector, and the exiting light is greater than the first core diameter. Having a large second diameter, the connector is configured to rotate the optical coupling unit to bend the optical waveguide when the connector is mated with the mating connector in a mating direction,
And the light coupling unit rotates about an axis whose position changes as the light coupling unit rotates. The optical coupling unit of claim 1, wherein an optical waveguide received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions is bent between the two attachment regions, and when the connector mates with the mating connector, the light coupling unit is rotated to provide light. A connector, which causes the waveguide to bend further. The connector of claim 1, wherein when the connector mates with the mating connector, the segments of the optical waveguides of the two connectors that are attached to each second attachment region of the light coupling unit lie in the same plane. The method of claim 1, wherein the light coupling unit further comprises a light turning member, the light turning member,
An input surface for receiving input light from an optical waveguide that is received and permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions;
A light turning surface for receiving light from an input surface of the light turning member in an input direction and redirecting the received light in a different redirected direction; And
And an output surface for receiving light from the light turning surface and transmitting the received light as output light in the output direction. The connector of claim 1, which is hermaphroditic. As a connector,
housing;
First and second attachment regions disposed within the housing and spaced apart from each other along a mating direction of the connector;
A support disposed in the housing;
An optical waveguide permanently attached to the first and second attachment regions;
A light coupling unit disposed in the housing, the light coupling unit for receiving light from the optical waveguide and transmitting the received light to the mating connector,
Here, the support portion bends the optical waveguide in contact with the optical waveguide between the first attachment region and the second attachment region,
Wherein the optical waveguide is further bent and moved away from the support when the connector mates with the mating connector. delete delete delete delete

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